Nikita Kucherov has sent shockwaves throughout the NHL after reportedly requesting a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning. The two-time Hart Trophy winner is in the final year of his contract and has reportedly informed the organization that he does not intend to re-sign. Although Tampa Bay has stated that it has no intention of trading its superstar, the situation has opened the door for speculation about his future.
Several contenders could benefit from adding an elite offensive talent like Kucherov. Here are some of the top landing spots that could make sense if the Lightning eventually decide to move him.
Potential Landing Spots For Nikita Kucherov
Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild have had a great season so far, with a 10-3-3 record, one of the best teams in the NHL, and they are first in the Central Division. The Wild have done big deals like this before, getting Quinn Hughes. Minnesota is also interested in a close friend of Hughes, Dylan Larkin.
I would not be surprised if the Wild try to go after Kucherov; they are trying to improve their roster any way they can, by bringing in big stars or drafting really good players.
Kucherov’s contract is expiring, so he will be a free agent at the end of the season, and he cannot work out a deal with the Lightning, so a move to a big team like the Wild would not be a bad idea. The Wild have cap space for the star, and they can pay him the money he wants as well.
But as we know, the Lightning will want a big package in return for him. The Wild can give them draft picks and prospects; the only problem is the Wild don’t have many draft picks like other teams; it really just matters what the Lightning want in return.
Carolina Hurricanes
As we all know, the Carolina Hurricanes were interested in Connor Hellebuyck as well, but they were too late. If the Hurricanes can’t trade for a goaltender, why can’t they just bring in offensive talent so they can score so many goals that bringing in a goaltender does not even matter?
The Hurricanes have room to bring in Kucherov; the only problem is, would the Hurricanes be willing to trade away young talent for a 33 year old, that can at least play for you for a couple of seasons? If they are willing to trade away young stars, they definitely have a lot of that, and they could always give the Lightning draft picks.
The Hurricanes have been one of the best teams in the NHL this season. They are the Stanley Cup champions as well. If the Hurricanes really want Kucherov, they are going to need to strike fast, before any other teams come in and steal another player they wanted.
Utah Mammoth
The Utah Mammoth are on the rise to being one of the best teams in the NHL, and their players are on the rise to be great talents. The Mammoth always seem to be one of the teams that like to go after big players.
Just like the Hurricanes, the Mammoth also wanted Hellebuyck, but lost out. The Mammoth have a lot of great players on their team, so if the Lightning want players that can be very great in the future, that is what the Mammoth have on their team.
The Mammoth are also a great team in the NHL; the problem is they lose when they should not lose, so bringing in a veteran would not be a bad idea, so the young players can be taught by Kucherov and grow in talent.
Main Image: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
